The world of Formula 1 is on the edge of an exciting new chapter, and Mexican pilot Sergio “Checo” Pérez could be the protagonist of this story. According to recent statements by Carlos Slim Domit, president of Escudería Telmex, Czech is in advanced conversations to return to the Great Circus in 2026, backed fully by Telmex and other key sponsors. This news comes at a time when Red Bull, his former team, faces an uncertain panorama, adding an intriguing turn to the narrative.
Pérez’s future in Formula 1 has been a hot topic since he decided to take a sabbatical year in 2025 after his departure from Red Bull. Despite having completed the 2024 season in the eighth position, his experience, with 14 years in the category, six victories in large awards and a runner -up in 2023, makes it a valuable asset for any team. Slim Domit, a key figure in Czech’s career since its inception, expressed its confidence in the pilot’s talent. During a recent Nascar event in Mexico, the businessman stressed that Pérez is carefully evaluating several options, ensuring that he has the unconditional support of his sponsors and the Mexican fans.
Among the teams that have shown interest, Cadillac F1 Team and Alpine stand out as the most promising options. Cadillac, who will debut in Formula 1 in 2026, is looking for a experience with experience to lead his project, and Pérez’s profile fits perfectly. For his part, Alpine sees in the Mexican an opportunity to strengthen his alignment with an proven and charismatic driver. The possibility of seeing Czech sharing grill with pilots like Valtteri Bottas in Cadillac has generated expectations among fans, who dream of a triumphant return of the tapatío.
The relationship between Pérez and Red Bull ended abruptly at the end of 2024, marked by internal tensions and an inconsistent performance of the car. Despite having contributed significantly to the 2022 and 2023 builders championships, as well as the Max Verstappen title in 2021, Czech faced criticism for not maintaining the pace of his partner. However, his departure was not exempt from controversy. According to nearby sources, Red Bull hindered Pérez’s negotiations with other teams, which limited his options by 2025. This context has fed speculation about a possible crisis in the Austrian team, especially after the exit of key figures such as Adrian Newey, the genius behind the design of his cars.
Despite these challenges, Czech’s combative spirit remains intact. In a recent interview, the pilot said that he will only return to Formula 1 if he finds a project that motivates him and value his experience. From his home in Mexico, Pérez has maintained a rigorous training regime, demonstrating his commitment to a possible return. His resilience history, since its inception in Sauber to its historical victories in Monaco and Singapore, has made it an icon for Mexican and Latin American fans.
The support of Telmex, Telcel and Claro, companies from the Carlos Slim group, remains a fundamental pillar in his career. Even if Telmex ends its relationship with Red Bull due to the arrival of AT&T as a sponsor, Slim Domit has reiterated that support for Czech is unwavering. This loyalty, combined with the love of the fans, positions Pérez as an attractive candidate for the shields seeking experience and charisma on the grill.
The return of Czech Pérez to Formula 1 would not only be a milestone for Mexico, but also a sign that passion and talent can overcome any obstacle. With the 2026 season approaching and the alignments of the teams still in definition, the eyes of the world of motoring are put in the Mexican. Will Czech get back to the great circus and fulfill Carlos Slim’s dream of seeing a Mexican champion pilot? Time will say it, but one thing is safe: the story of Sergio Pérez is far from finishing.
